In Sankskrit, the language of ancient India, yoga means union — Union of the Mind, Body and Spirit. What we traditionally think of as “yoga” in the West is really more accurately called “asana” or posture. Asana is only one of the eight “limbs” of yoga, the majority of which are concerned with mental and spiritual well-being. Asana refers to the practice of physical postures to achieve balance in the body by developing strength and flexibility. If you’ve ever said: “I’m not flexible enough to do yoga”, you’re missing the point! If that’s the case for you, that’s the very reason to do yoga! If you already spoke French fluently, you wouldn’t need to go to French class, right?
“I’ll never be able to look like that!”
You don’t have to look like anything or anyone else doing yoga. That’s one of the great things about yoga — it looks differently on everybody. Your practice is constantly evolving and changing so it never gets boring. The postures themselves don’t change, but with consistent practice, your relationship to the postures will. Your body becomes more flexible, stronger, and your mind more calm. Another benefit of sustained yoga practice is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is doing the best they can with the body they brought to the yoga room that day.
Yoga as medicine
There are many benefits to a regular yoga practice. Improved posture, pain relief, and stress management are among the most relevant to our Western lifestyle. In the last 15 years or so, yoga has transitioned from an esoteric concept only understood by a small group of enlightened individuals, to a much more widely accepted and accessible form of health care practiced by everyone. In fact, medical and clinical doctors have begun to prescribe it as complimentary therapy for those afflicted with chronic disease, from fibromyalgia to depression to cancer. Doctors may not necessarily know why it helps, but the evidence is clear. Yoga makes people healthy and happy.
So, no matter who you are, get your butt to a yoga studio today and start the journey towards a better you! See you in the yoga room!
And with this, I’d like to say a heartfelt “see you later” to the readers and the staff of Equal Magazine. I’m focusing on the opening my brand new Bikram Yoga studio in Mt. Lebanon this June. For more info, visit http://bymtlebo.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter for the latest updates on construction and pre-opening promotions.
